Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic and essentially incurable genetic disease of the blood. Stem cell or bone marrow transplants are the only cure for sickle cell disease, but they're not done very often because of the significant risks involved. About 100,000 Americans are affected by this disease, which occurs in one out of every 365 African Americans.

Georgia is in the top three states in the nation for SCD, with more than 13,000 individuals living with the disease in Georgia across almost every county, ranking as the fourth-largest sickle cell population in the nation.

Tapestry Connections, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Liberty County with a mission to engage, educate, empower, and ignite the community to improve the quality of life for people affected by sickle cell disease.

People with sickle cell disease are now living longer than ever thanks to advancements in treatment and management. Nevertheless, we continue to fight for a permanent, non-exclusive solution and find new proof every day that a breakthrough in this area is just around the corner.

On September 23, Tapestry Connections will hold the 'Ride for the Cure' through the streets of Riceboro. The Riceboro Youth Center located at 5659 S. Coastal Hwy. will serve as both the starting and finishing point of the route.

Registration is open to everyone who owns a vehicle. Car clubs, motorcycle clubs, ATV riders and clubs, sling shots, 18 wheelers, luxury and classic car owners are invited. The registration fee is $10 and can be purchased onsite beginning at 8:30 a.m. The ride will begin at 10 a.m. and there will be enjoy complimentary food and drinks. All proceeds will go to support the SCD warriors and their families during crises and to provide community outreach and educational services in Liberty County and surrounding areas.

There are three sponsorship opportunities for this event: bronze - $100; gold - $200; and platinum - $500. Make checks payable to Tapestry Connections, Inc. You can mail the checks to Tapestry Connections, Inc., Post Office Box 775, Hinesville, GA 31310.

To learn more about Tapestry Connections, Inc., visit tapestryconnections. org or connect with the founder and executive director, Dr. Deloris Mitchell, at 912-766-0213 or by e-mail at tapestryconscdo@ gmail. com.